Dean Burnette, of Best Business Brokers, named President of Georgia Association of Business Brokers

GABB members help business owners establish sales prices, create marketing plans and strategies for the sales, identify and qualify potential buyers and protect owners’ and buyers’ confidentiality.

Dean Burnette, Best Business Brokers (B3)

“I am excited about the many opportunities that the current economic conditions and recent economic events have created in Georgia,” said Burnette. “We have a powerful group of very connected leaders in Georgia who will be on the board this year, and I’m proud to serve alongside these talented folks.”

ABOUT BEST BUSINESS BROKERS • B3Best Business Brokers (B3) help people buy and sell businesses and commercial real estate in Georgia and South Carolina. The company is based in Savannah, Ga. B3 offers a variety of brokerage services, including confidential targeted marketing, potential buyers’ qualifications, showcasing, transaction negotiations, due diligence management, escrow process management, valuations and pricing, and closings. Their seasoned and award-winning business brokers are all licensed, commercial realtors. B3 specializes in a multitude of industries, such as manufacturing-, technology- and logistics-related businesses and properties. Their headquarters is located at 6605 Abercorn St., Suite 101D, Savannah, GA 31405. For more information, visit http://B3Brokers.com or call 912-349-0940.

The Greatest Year Ever for Savannah’s Film and Television IndustryBy Charles J. Bowen

Charles Bowen

What do an aging assassin hunting his clone, a football-playing private investigator trying to exonerate his daughter, an escaped slave interacting with famous historical figures, and an upper-class cocker spaniel falling in love with a street smart mutt all have in common? They are all leading characters in movies filmed in Savannah in 2018.

These films do not even begin to demonstrate the breadth of last year’s film and television industry in Savannah. From film noir in John Travolta’s “The Poison Rose” to the science fiction action thriller “Gemini Man” starring Will Smith to Disney’s live-action remake of “Lady and the Tramp,” Savannah has played host to almost every possible genre of production.

Over 200 professional film and television productions were filmed in the Savannah area in 2018 with another 147 student productions on top of that. Whether large or small, each and every production served as an economic engine pumping cash into every corner of the local economy.

According to the Savannah Regional Film Commission, these productions accounted for $120 million in direct spending locally and had a total economic impact of well over $250 million in 2018 alone. These figures shattered the record set in 2017 of $65 million in direct spending with $138 million in total local economic impact.

As founder of the Savannah Film Alliance, I see the tremendous financial impact these productions have daily on a diverse range of local businesses. In addition to food and lodging, film crews utilize dry cleaners, pet sitters, massage therapists, and countless other local professionals. Small businesses across the city are finding a windfall in income from these productions, and every month, more and more businesses that service the entertainment industry are moving to town.

One of the major reasons for this boom in the local film and television industry is the Savannah Entertainment Production Incentive offered by the Savannah Economic Development Authority. This program provides cash rebates to qualified film and television productions that schedule a majority of their shooting days within 60 miles of Savannah City Hall. Since this rebate applies to local spending only, it encourages productions to hire local crew and utilize local businesses and service providers.

The reason this incentive is so effective is that it is offered on top of the very generous production incentives offered statewide by the State of Georgia. But all this government support would mean nothing without the many local crew members, small business owners, industry leaders, and educators, such as the Georgia Film Academy at Savannah Tech, that have worked tirelessly to transform Savannah into one of the most popular filming destinations in the world.

While these statistics are certainly reasons to celebrate, it is crucial to remember that all of this progress can be instantly destroyed by one ill-informed swipe of our new governor’s pen. As North Carolina discovered after its infamous “bathroom bill,” any effort to roll back the civil rights gains of the last 60-plus years under the guise of “religious liberty” could decimate Georgia’s film and television industry. Just last year, a bill that would have allowed private adoption agencies to legally discriminate based on “sincerely-held religious beliefs” made it all the way through the Georgia Senate before failing. Thus, it is important to remain vigilant lest any such efforts resurface.

Looking forward to 2019, Savannah looks well-positioned to hold onto its status as the second most filmed city in Georgia behind Atlanta. Numerous productions have either committed to or expressed interest in filming in Savannah this year. Remember, there is a lot more at stake than simply the chance to spot a movie star at a local restaurant or to recognize a familiar site on the screen. Entire livelihoods and real money supporting real families are being built by the local film and television industry and you never know where the flow of that money will ultimately land.

While recently browsing a local antique mall, well-removed from the lights-camera-action world, a friend ran across a prop master buying rotary phones for the 2019 local filming of “The Glorias: A Life on the Road,” a Gloria Steinem biopic. The film dollar travels far and wide. The pocket in which it winds up may well be yours.

Savannah’s

COMMUNiTY HEADLiNES

The Local Newswire

DEAN BURNETTE NAMED PRESIDENT OF GABB

(Savannah, GA) Dean Burnette, founder of Savannah-based Best Business Brokers (B3), has been named president of the Georgia Association of Business Brokers (GABB) for 2019. GABB members help business owners establish sales prices, create marketing plans and strategies for the sales, identify and qualify potential buyers and protect owners’ and buyers’ confidentiality. For more information, visit http://B3Brokers.com

SAVANNAH’S WILL GRUVER TO REPRESENT REGION IN NATIONAL FUNDRAISING COMPETITION SUPPORTING LLS

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) – Savannah, GA is proud to announce that Will Gruver will represent Savannah as an All Star Alumni Candidate in the annual Man & Woman of the Year campaign. The ten week fundraising competition will begin on February 21, 2019 and run through May 3, 2019. The 2018 Savannah campaign raised nearly $500,000 and nationally the campaign raised $59.4 million for the mission of LLS. For more information, please email Hope Gruver at hopedgruver@gmail.com

PREVENT AND REVERSE DIABETES WORKSHOP

(SAVANNAH, GA) A wellness workshop which will present information to prevent and reverse diabetes will be held Saturday, March 23, from 9am to 5pm at the Holiday Inn and Suites in Pooler, Ga. Sponsored by One Life One Choice, Inc., wellness experts will present new research and lifestyle measures to change your life. Contact One Live One Choice at (912.398.3413) or purchase tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/womens-health-summit-spring-2019-tickets-56591261988#tickets

COLONIAL FOUNDATION RECOGNIZED AT NATIONAL CONFERENCE

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Colonial Foundation and Mr. Rob Demere were presented with the John R. Chandler Award at the 2019 CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education) and NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools) Annual Conference in Philadelphia. The award recognizes the long-term support of a corporation or foundation toward the advancement of independent schools. St. Andrew’s School nominated Colonial Foundation and Mr. Demere for their longstanding philanthropic support to the independent school. They have given lead gifts for every major capital campaign in the 40-year history of the school, provided funding for financial assistance to qualified students through Georgia’s special tax redirection program, and have been a champion for the school in the local community. For more information on St. Andrew’s, visit https://saslions.com

GIRLS ON THE RUN OFFICIAL CHARITY PARNER FOR SAVANNAH GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

(SAVANNAH, GA) Girls on the Run (GOTR) Is an official charity partner for the Web.com/Savannah Golf Championship. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Tickets to watch the PGA-qualifying can be found here: www.savannahgolfchampionship.com

CHAT BOT WORKSHOP

(SAVANNAH, GA) Marketing expert Michael Renahan will lead a free web marketing and chat bot workshop on Feb. 26 at 9 am. The workshop is free to attend. Renahan is a productivity expert at software giant, HubSpot. In this talk, he will dive into how chat bots don’t solve for one part of your organization but are actually a key driver across the entire organization and customer journey. This event, which is open to the public, will be held at the Creative Coast/Bull Street Lab, 2222 Bull Street RSVP: www.hugsavannah.com

OWNER OF ROTO-ROOTER PLUMBERS OF SAVANNAH CELEBRATES LIFE AND 45 YEARS IN BUSINESS

(SAVANNAH, GA) Autism activist Temple Grandin, widely acknowledged as one of the world’s most accomplished and best-known autistic adults, will be the keynote speaker when the Matthew Reardon Center for Autism hosts its 2019 Autism Conference Feb. 28 and March 1 at the Savannah Convention Center. The conference comes as estimates indicate that one in 59 children born in the United States will be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. With a full list of speakers and a reverse job fair, the conference is an excellent education resource for our region. For more information, please visit https://2019autismconference.com/ or watch this interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOm7iKItMi0&feature=youtu.beÂ

(SOUTHEAST GA) Leadership Southeast Georgia kicked off at Little St. Simons in Glynn County. This year’s participants were offered a glimpse of Coastal Georgia’s natural resources on day one with a tour of the Brunswick port and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Day two focused on examining communication preferences and styles and the impact on one’s approach to leadership using the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and featured a leadership challenge scavenger hunt with participants exploring three different terrains on the island. For more information, please visit https://carriagetradepr.com/leadership-southeast-georgia-2019-class-kicks-off-at-little-st-simons-in-glynn-county/

Leadership Southeast Georgia 2019 Class Kicks Off

SAVANNAH SCORE PRESENTS “LESSONS LEARNED DURING THE EARLY YEARS OF OWNING A SMALL BUSINESS”

(SAVANNAH, GA) As part of the “Tools to Grow Your Business” Seminar Series, SCORE is presenting a panel of successful small business owners from Savannah who will share strategies and tips to overcome typical challenges, operational issues and pitfalls as faced by entrepreneurs during the early stages of building a business. Intended for entrepreneurs planning to start a business or in the early launch stage, the session will provide an opportunity for attendees to seek advice on a broad range of topics. The panelists are Greg Stinson, former owner of Comfort Keepers, Diana Morrison, owner of Advertising Specialty Services, and Gregg Black, owner of Patriot Postal Services. This panel discussion is on Thursday, February 21, from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm at SCORE Savannah, 111 E. Liberty Street, Savannah. Registration is required. Seats are limited. The session fee is $20, payable in advance or at the door. To register call SCORE at 912-652-4335. For more information, please visit https://savannah.score.org/

(SAVANNAH, GA) Roto-Rooter Plumbers of Savannah will present “The Royal Flush Casino Night” on Thursday, Feb. 28, at the Savannah Station, 601 Cohen St., with all of the proceeds going to benefit families at the Ronald McDonald House of the Coastal Empire. The casino-themed party will feature heavy hors-d’oeuvres, an open bar, live music, dancing and complimentary casino. Individual tickets for the event are $55 and $85 per couple. Festivities begin at 7 p.m. Guests can “go all in” to support this event, which will feature Black Jack, Roulette, Craps, Texas Hold’em and Wheel of Fortune with the opportunity to win up to $3,500 in cash and other prizes. To buy tickets for the Royal Flush Casino Night, please visit https://rotosavannah.com/royal-flush-casino-night

CREATIVE PEOPLE NEED TO PROTECT THEIR WORK

(SAVANNAH, GA) The entertainment industry is growing in Savannah. Producers, directors, talent, writers and other creative professionals need to be considering ways to protect their work, especially when dealing with financing, production, and licensing, location releases and labor and union counsel. For more information, please visit http://www.thebowenlawgroup.com/

HUNDREDS TURN OUT FOR PEACOCK SUBARU’S PUPPY BOWL WATCH PARTY

(SAVANNAH, GA) Peacock Subaru was featured in Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl XV on Super Bowl Sunday, giving national recognition to some of the adoptable pups under the care of the Palmetto Animal League. In celebration of the event, Peacock Subaru held a Puppy Bowl Watch Party, complete with tailgating refreshments provided by One Hot Mama’s and music from co-host 104.9 The Surf. The Palmetto Animal League brought adoptable dogs to join the party, and guests were welcome to bring their own pups! Hundreds came out to support the feature on national television. For more information, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFZlRe0SMwo&feature=youtu.be

JANUARY OPEN FOR BUSINESS®: THE POWER OF LEADERSHIP TRAINING

(SAVANNAH, GA) Did you miss the January session of Open for Business®? You can still watch the video and chime in with questions! We discussed the power of leadership training and had Lee Beckmann, Chair of Leadership Southeast Georgia, join us to give us an expert opinion. To view the video, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/CarriageTradePublicRelations/videos/316533875643375/

(SAVANNAH, GA) Enmarket, the Savannah-based convenience store chain, plans to build a new headquarters building as part of a new complex at Ogeechee Road and Chatham Parkway. The lot has been cleared and site work is currently underway. The company will build a new 22,000-square-foot office structure along with a second building of equal size that will be used as flex space and will provide room for future expansion. For more information, please visit https://cstoredecisions.com/2019/01/24/enmarket-plans-new-headquarters/

(SAVANNAH, GA) Felder & Associates has just launched their redesigned website, felderassociates.net. Designed by Speros, a full-service technology company in Savannah, the site has been restructured to better feature the architecture and design firm’s growing portfolio of work specializing in historic preservation, architectural design, project management, construction administration and interior design.

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Rotary Club of Savannah is searching for volunteers to serve as community readers for the second annual Savannah Rotary Read-In on Wednesday, March 13, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Last year’s inaugural event drew 526 volunteer readers who read to students in 566 classrooms. This year, Savannah-Chatham public schools plans to add pre-kindergarten to the list, which means Rotarians and volunteers will read to students in 600 pre-k through third-grade classrooms in 32 schools. To register to read at the Savannah Rotary Read-In, please sign up here by March 7: https://www.srri-signup.com/Â

MEET SARABI

(SAVANNAH, GA) Coastal Pet Rescue introduces Sarabi! Sarabi is a 3-year-old domestic short hair. Sarabi has undergone horrible abuse in her short life, but her past doesn’t stop her. This soft sweetheart loves to lounge and cuddle. She would love to have humans of her own who will promise her a safe future! For more information on Sarabi or any of Coastal Pet Rescue’s other cats and dogs for adoption, please visit http://coastalpetrescue.org/adopt/view/2018-c-130-sarabi/

(SAVANNAH, GA) Autism activist Temple Grandin, widely acknowledged as one of the world’s most accomplished and best-known autistic adults, will be the keynote speaker when the Matthew Reardon Center for Autism hosts its 2019 Autism Conference Feb. 28 and March 1 at the Savannah Convention Center. The conference comes as estimates indicate that one in 59 children born in the United States will be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. With a full list of speakers and a reverse job fair, the conference is an excellent education resource for our region. For more information, please visit https://2019autismconference.com/

(SOUTHEAST GA) Leadership Southeast Georgia kicked off at Little St. Simons in Glynn County. This year’s participants were offered a glimpse of Coastal Georgia’s natural resources on day one with a tour of the Brunswick port and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Day two focused on examining communication preferences and styles and the impact on one’s approach to leadership using the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and featured a leadership challenge scavenger hunt with participants exploring three different terrains on the island. For more information, please visit https://carriagetradepr.com/leadership-southeast-georgia-2019-class-kicks-off-at-little-st-simons-in-glynn-county/

Leadership Southeast Georgia 2019 Class Kicks Off

HOSPICE SAVANNAH OYSTER ROAST

(SAVANNAH, GA) Join Hospice Savannah for their second annual oyster roast in memory of Sammy Moore. The event will be on Sunday, Feb. 17, from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Isle of Hope Marina. Come and enjoy locally harvested oysters, chili, beer, wine, other beverages, and desserts. Live music provided by Midtown Pickers. All proceeds will support Hospice Savannah’s life enriching programs and services. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hospice-savannah-oyster-roast-tickets-53644847182

SAVANNAH SCORE PRESENTS “LESSONS LEARNED DURING THE EARLY YEARS OF OWNING A SMALL BUSINESS”

(SAVANNAH, GA) As part of the “Tools to Grow Your Business” Seminar Series, SCORE is presenting a panel of successful small business owners from Savannah who will share strategies and tips to overcome typical challenges, operational issues and pitfalls as faced by entrepreneurs during the early stages of building a business. Intended for entrepreneurs planning to start a business or in the early launch stage, the session will provide an opportunity for attendees to seek advice on a broad range of topics. The panelists are Greg Stinson, former owner of Comfort Keepers, Linda Fuller, owner of La Terra Natural Oils, and Gregg Black, owner of Patriot Postal Services. This panel discussion is on Thursday, February 21, from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm at SCORE Savannah, 111 E. Liberty Street, Savannah. Registration is required. Seats are limited. The session fee is $20, payable in advance or at the door. To register call SCORE at 912-652-4335. For more information, please visit https://savannah.score.org/

(SAVANNAH, GA) Roto-Rooter Plumbers of Savannah will present “The Royal Flush Casino Night” on Thursday, Feb. 28, at the Savannah Station, 601 Cohen St., with all of the proceeds going to benefit families at the Ronald McDonald House of the Coastal Empire. The casino-themed party will feature heavy hors-d’oeuvres, an open bar, live music, dancing and complimentary casino. Individual tickets for the event are $55 and $85 per couple. Festivities begin at 7 p.m. Guests can “go all in” to support this event, which will feature Black Jack, Roulette, Craps, Texas Hold’em and Wheel of Fortune with the opportunity to win up to $3,500 in cash and other prizes. To buy tickets for the Royal Flush Casino Night, please visit https://rotosavannah.com/royal-flush-casino-night

CREATIVE PEOPLE NEED TO PROTECT THEIR WORK

(SAVANNAH, GA) The entertainment industry is growing in Savannah. Producers, directors, talent, writers and other creative professionals need to be considering ways to protect their work, especially when dealing with financing, production, and licensing, location releases and labor and union counsel. For more information, please visit http://www.thebowenlawgroup.com/

HUNDREDS TURN OUT FOR PEACOCK SUBARU’S PUPPY BOWL WATCH PARTY

(SAVANNAH, GA) Peacock Subaru was featured in Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl XV on Super Bowl Sunday, giving national recognition to some of the adoptable pups under the care of the Palmetto Animal League. In celebration of the event, Peacock Subaru held a Puppy Bowl Watch Party, complete with tailgating refreshments provided by One Hot Mama’s and music from co-host 104.9 The Surf. The Palmetto Animal League brought adoptable dogs to join the party, and guests were welcome to bring their own pups! Hundreds came out to support the feature on national television. For more information, please visit http://www.wtoc.com/2019/02/04/peacock-subaru-palmetto-animal-league-featured-animal-planets-puppy-bowl-xv/Â

JANUARY OPEN FOR BUSINESS®: THE POWER OF LEADERSHIP TRAINING

(SAVANNAH, GA) Did you miss the January session of Open for Business®? You can still watch the video and chime in with questions! We discussed the power of leadership training and had Lee Beckmann, Chair of Leadership Southeast Georgia, join us to give us an expert opinion. To view the video, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/CarriageTradePublicRelations/videos/316533875643375/

(SAVANNAH, GA) Enmarket, the Savannah-based convenience store chain, plans to build a new headquarters building as part of a new complex at Ogeechee Road and Chatham Parkway. The lot has been cleared and site work is currently underway. The company will build a new 22,000-square-foot office structure along with a second building of equal size that will be used as flex space and will provide room for future expansion. For more information, please visit https://cstoredecisions.com/2019/01/24/enmarket-plans-new-headquarters/

(SAVANNAH, GA) Felder & Associates has just launched their redesigned website, felderassociates.net. Designed by Speros, a full-service technology company in Savannah, the site has been restructured to better feature the architecture and design firm’s growing portfolio of work specializing in historic preservation, architectural design, project management, construction administration and interior design.

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Market at 3 West Ridge, a unique Shopping Boutique and Plant Sale, will benefit two local charities, HUGS (Heads-Up Guidance Services) and Family Promise of Greater Savannah. This three day event sponsored by St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (Skidaway Island at 3 West Ridge Road) begins Tuesday evening, February 12th, 5pm-7:30pm with wine and hors d’oeuvres. It continues on the 13th (10am-5pm) and the 14th (10am-4pm).

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Rotary Club of Savannah is searching for volunteers to serve as community readers for the second annual Savannah Rotary Read-In on Wednesday, March 13, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Last year’s inaugural event drew 526 volunteer readers who read to students in 566 classrooms. This year, Savannah-Chatham public schools plans to add pre-kindergarten to the list, which means Rotarians and volunteers will read to students in 600 pre-k through third-grade classrooms in 32 schools. To register to read at the Savannah Rotary Read-In, please sign up here by March 7: https://www.srri-signup.com/Â

MEET PRUDENCE

(SAVANNAH, GA) Coastal Pet Rescue introduces Prudence! Prudence is a 2-year-old small mixed dog. Prudence loves a good routine. She is extremely smart and happy young lady. She loves older children, she’s a little afraid of cats, and she loves other dogs. She would love a family of her own above all else, however! For more information on Prudence or any of Coastal Pet Rescue’s other cats and dogs for adoption, please visit http://coastalpetrescue.org/adopt/view/2018-d-356-prudence/

(GLYNN COUNTY) Leadership Southeast Georgia, a premier regional leadership development program, held its first of five sessions at Little St. Simons Island in Glynn County.

For 20 years, representatives of business, government, education and non-profit organizations in 10 southeast Georgia counties have taken part in creating a valuable network of leadership for regional community and economic development.

Truitt Eavenson, Georgia Power’s Southeast Region vice president, served as the keynote speaker on leadership, challenging the group to lead by collaboration and to “accept change, embrace change and seek change.” The class also heard a presentation from Doug Haymans, Director of the Coastal Resources Division of DNR.

Leadership Southeast Georgia 2019 Class Kicks Off

Day two focused on examining communication preferences and styles and the impact on one’s approach to leadership using the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and featured a leadership challenge scavenger hunt with participants exploring three different terrains on the island.

“This first weekend is critical for developing class relationships and establishing an awareness of self,” said Suzanne Kirk of Employee Development Strategies, Inc. who serves as Leadership Southeast Georgia’s facilitator. “We created the foundation for the remaining sessions and really set the stage for the connectivity of the overall program.”

This first session was coordinated by Paulo Albuquerque and Cedric King. Albuquerque is the Area Manager for Georgia Power Southeast Region, and King is the CEO of King’s Consulting.

The five-month program is designed to grow and inspire engaged community leaders to improve the overall quality of life in Coastal Georgia. The focus of this first session was to establish a road map for the Leadership Southeast Georgia experience while building relationships, exploring leadership concepts and increasing participants’ knowledge of the region.

The next session will be held in Bulloch County.

ABOUT LEADERSHIP SOUTHEAST GEORGIALeadership Southeast Georgia is a five-month region-wide program designed to equip, empower and connect community leaders to help them promote positive growth and improve the quality of life in the southeast Georgia region. The executive board and program participants represent a variety of industries across Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh and Screven counties. The class spends one weekend a month traveling to surrounding counties to learn about the impact of local issues such as healthcare, education, economic development and transportation. For more information, visit http://www.lsega.com/

Animal Planet crews were in the area in December to film puppies between 3- and 6-months old at the dealership and PAL’s facilities. Footage from the shoot was incorporated into vignettes aired as commercial messages for Subaru during Puppy Bowl XV. Subaru of America picked Peacock Subaru for the spots because of its involvement with local animal welfare organizations.

The Palmetto Animal League brought adoptable dogs to Sunday’s party. Supported solely by individual donors and “Partners in Rescue” such as Peacock Subaru, PAL’s no-kill shelter serves as a temporary residence for about 200 dogs and cats.

The puppy bowl began when Animal Planet, a cable network focused on animal-themed shows, confronted the question of what to program against the Super Bowl with a mock football game featuring puppies playing on a gridiron-marked rug. The idea caught on and now attracts millions of viewers. Since its inception, the program has starred adoptable puppy “players” and has since added kitten “cheerleaders” and other pets looking for a hom.

ABOUT PALMETTO ANIMAL LEAGUEPalmetto Animal League is a private, non-profit, no-kill animal rescue organization that saves abandoned, abused and neglected pets and places them in loving homes. Visit PAL’s adoptable cats and dogs at their adoption center, located in Okatie’s Riverwalk Business Park, Monday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. These are Lives Worth Saving. Join the No Kill movement today by visiting www.PalmettoAnimalLeague.org.

ABOUT PEACOCK AUTOMOTIVEPeacock Automotive owns and operates 24 automotive dealerships representing 31 brands in Georgia, South Carolina and Florida, employing more than 700 individuals. The company’s headquarters is located at Peacock Auto Mall on U.S. 278, five miles east of I-95 at Exit 8 near Bluffton, S.C. The dealerships at the Auto Mall include Peacock Alfa Romeo, Peacock Maserati, Peacock Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat, Jaguar Hilton Head, Land Rover Hilton Head, Peacock Subaru, Porsche of Hilton Head, Audi Hilton Head, Peacock Hyundai Hilton Head, Peacock Genesis of Hilton Head, Hilton Head Volkswagen and Peacock Used Cars & Trucks. Additionally, the company owns Peacock Hyundai Brunswick, Peacock Genesis of Brunswick and Peacock Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Brunswick in Brunswick, Ga., and Peacock Hyundai Savannah, Peacock Genesis of Savannah and Savannah Volkswagen in Savannah, Ga. Other holdings include Jaguar Columbia, Land Rover Columbia, Peacock Hyundai Columbia and Hyundai Genesis of Columbia. Its subsidiary, Peacock-Griffey Automotive, owns Peacock Ford in the Orlando area of Florida. Peacock Automotive also owns and operates the Peacock Collision Center and the Wellness Institute in Bluffton, S.C., and Peacock Insurance in Savannah. Peacock Automotive was awarded Business of the Year in 2017 from the Greater Bluffton, South Carolina, Chamber of Commerce. For more information about Peacock Automotive, call (843) 208-1258 or visit https://www.peacockautomotive.com/

Savannah’s

COMMUNiTY HEADLiNES

The Local Newswire

HUNDREDS TURN OUT FOR PEACOCK SUBARU’S PUPPY BOWL WATCH PARTY

(SAVANNAH, GA) Peacock Subaru was featured in Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl XV on Super Bowl Sunday, giving national recognition to some of the adoptable pups under the care of the Palmetto Animal League. In celebration of the event, Peacock Subaru held a Puppy Bowl Watch Party, complete with tailgating refreshments provided by One Hot Mama’s and music from co-host 104.9 The Surf. The Palmetto Animal League brought adoptable dogs to join the party, and guests were welcome to bring their own pups! Hundreds came out to support the feature on national television. For more information, please visit http://www.wtoc.com/2019/02/04/peacock-subaru-palmetto-animal-league-featured-animal-planets-puppy-bowl-xv/Â

2019 AUTISM CONFERENCE

(SAVANNAH, GA) Autism activist Temple Grandin, widely acknowledged as one of the world’s most accomplished and best-known autistic adults, will be the keynote speaker when the Matthew Reardon Center for Autism hosts its 2019 Autism Conference Feb. 28 and March 1 at the Savannah Convention Center. The conference comes as estimates indicate that one in 59 children born in the United States will be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. For more information, please visit https://2019autismconference.com/

LEADERSHIP SOUTHEAST GEORGIA 2019

(SAVANNAH, GA) Leadership Southeast Georgia kicked off this weekend! Wondering what all the hype is about? Brynn Grant, Vice Chair of LSEGA and Jesse Bentley, board member of LSEGA, were featured on WTOC’s Mid-Morning Live. Watch the interview to learn more about Leadership Southeast Georgia, and what’s ahead: http://www.wtoc.com/…/2…/01/29/leadership-southeast-georgia/

JANUARY OPEN FOR BUSINESS®: THE POWER OF LEADERSHIP TRAINING

(SAVANNAH, GA) Did you miss the January session of Open for Business®? You can still watch the video and chime in with questions! We discussed the power of leadership training and had Lee Beckmann, Chair of Leadership Southeast Georgia, join us to give us an expert opinion. To view the video, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/CarriageTradePublicRelations/videos/316533875643375/

COFFEE CHATS | FEBRUARY 5

(SAVANNAH, GA) Wake up and smell the coffee! At this first-thing-in-the-morning networking opportunity, participants will begin with 30 minutes of open networking! Join the Savannah Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, February 5, at the Alida Hotel from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. For more information, please visit http://www.savannahchambernews.com/events/coffee-chats-february-5/

(SAVANNAH, GA) Enmarket, the Savannah-based convenience store chain, plans to build a new headquarters building as part of a new complex at Ogeechee Road and Chatham Parkway. The lot has been cleared and site work is currently underway. The company will build a new 22,000-square-foot office structure along with a second building of equal size that will be used as flex space and will provide room for future expansion. For more information, please visit https://cstoredecisions.com/2019/01/24/enmarket-plans-new-headquarters/

FELDER & ASSOCIATES LAUNCHES NEWLY DESIGNED WEBSITE

(SAVANNAH, GA) Felder & Associates has just launched their redesigned website, felderassociates.net. Designed by Speros, a full-service technology company in Savannah, the site has been restructured to better feature the architecture and design firm’s growing portfolio of work specializing in historic preservation, architectural design, project management, construction administration and interior design.

(SPEROS TECHNOLOGY) This year, why not make a resolution to prioritize security awareness in both our personal and professional lives? Sharpening our security skills can help us become better human firewalls to protect the information we access and use. In this week’s security tip video, learn some components of what it takes to become a strong human firewall and how you can take your security awareness to the next level. Watch the video here: https://www.pii-protect.com/security_news_letters/send_file/42/attachment/?brand_key=uyjmdÂ

ROYAL FLUSH CASINO NIGHT TO BENEFIT RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF THE COASTAL EMPIRE FEB. 28 – BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW

(SAVANNAH, GA) Roto-Rooter Plumbers of Savannah will present “The Royal Flush Casino Night” on Thursday, Feb. 28, at the Savannah Station, 601 Cohen St., with all of the proceeds going to benefit families at the Ronald McDonald House of the Coastal Empire. The casino-themed party will feature heavy hors-d’oeuvres, an open bar, live music, dancing and complimentary casino. Individual tickets for the event are $55 and $85 per couple. Festivities begin at 7 p.m. Guests can “go all in” to support this event, which will feature Black Jack, Roulette, Craps, Texas Hold’em and Wheel of Fortune with the opportunity to win up to $3,500 in cash and other prizes. To buy tickets for the Royal Flush Casino Night, please visit https://rotosavannah.com/royal-flush-casino-night

(SAVANNAH, GA) GHC (formally Georgia Hospice Care) is pleased to announce the launch of a newly designed website for the hospice provider in Georgia and South Carolina. The design took approximately eight weeks to create and implement the new site. Designed by Speros, a full-service technology company headquartered in Savannah, the site features user-friendly navigation and a clean, professional design. To view the full website, please visit http://ghcholdings.com/

FEBRUARY AFTER HOURS: BUILDER SPEED NETWORKING

(RIDGELAND, S.C.) The Hilton Head Area Home Builders Association (HBA) will host an after hours event on Thursday, February 7, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Peacock Automotive Collision Center located at 1667 Okatie Highway off 170. Space is limited to 30 businesses and is exclusive to one service your company provides. To register, send a completed copy of the below form to info@hhahba.com

SHOPPING BOUTIQUE AND PLANT SALE BENEFIT LOCAL CHARITIES

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Market at 3 West Ridge, a unique Shopping Boutique and Plant Sale, will benefit two local charities, HUGS (Heads-Up Guidance Services) and Family Promise of Greater Savannah. This three day event sponsored by St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (Skidaway Island at 3 West Ridge Road) begins Tuesday evening, February 12th, 5pm-7:30pm with wine and hors d’oeuvres. It continues on the 13th (10am-5pm) and the 14th (10am-4pm).

(SAVANNAH, GA) The port of Savannah recently marked 23 consecutive months of growth. The business of shipping and transporting goods involves a diverse number of complex legal issues for shippers, shipping companies, brokers, carriers and other businesses involved in the transportation of goods. For more information, visit www.thebowenlawgroup.com

(SAVANNAH, GA) Jones Carter, alumnus of Bethesda Academy’s class of 2018, set an indoor school record in the triple jump in the first track meet for his college career. Carter, who is a freshman jumper at Catawba College, set the record on December 2 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina at the JDL Early Bird Duels. To read more, please visit http://www.savannahtribune.com/articles/sports-with-walter-moore-528/

LEADERSHIP SOUTHEAST GEORGIA ANNOUNCES 2019 CLASS

(SOUTHEAST GA) Leadership Southeast Georgia is pleased to announce 29 people have been selected from 10 counties across the region for its class of 2019. The five-month program, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, is designed to equip, empower and connect community leaders to help them promote positive growth and improve the quality of life in the southeast Georgia region. For more information, please visit http://www.lsega.com/

(SAVANNAH, GA) Wesley Community Centers of Savannah, Inc., sponsored by Savannah Early Childhood Foundation, is gearing up for their most important fundraiser of the year, Love Walk, and they need YOUR help! As a non-profit, the agency works hard to do a lot on a tight budget. Child care fees and the grant awards received, do not cover the expenses associated with operations. One of the biggest ways they make up this shortfall is through funds raised at Love Walk. Love Walk 2019 is scheduled for Saturday, February 9, 2019. The 3.6 mile walk begins at 9:00 a.m. at Wesley (1601 Drayton Street) and is a pleasant stroll through each historic square on Bull Street. The return route circles back to Wesley. Please contact Ms. Adrianne Williams-Henderson at henderson_adrianne@yahoo.com or (912) 236-4226 with any questions.

LOCAL ROTARY CALLS FOR VOLUNTEERS

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Rotary Club of Savannah is searching for volunteers to serve as community readers for the second annual Savannah Rotary Read-In on Wednesday, March 13, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Last year’s inaugural event drew 526 volunteer readers who read to students in 566 classrooms. This year, Savannah-Chatham public schools plans to add pre-kindergarten to the list, which means Rotarians and volunteers will read to students in 600 pre-k through third-grade classrooms in 32 schools. To register to read at the Savannah Rotary Read-In, please sign up here by March 7: https://www.srri-signup.com/Â

MEET MAX

(SAVANNAH, GA) Coastal Pet Rescue introduces Max! Max is a 12-year-old miniature schnauzer. Don’t let his old age fool you! He has plenty of energy to go around and loves to play with this four foster siblings. For more information on Max or any of Coastal Pet Rescue’s other cats and dogs for adoption, please visit http://coastalpetrescue.org/adopt/view/2018-d-562-max/

Savannah Autism Conference Features Activist Temple Grandin as Keynote and Announces First Local Reverse Job Fair

(SAVANNAH, GA) Autism activist Temple Grandin, widely acknowledged as one of the world’s most accomplished and best-known autistic adults, will be the keynote speaker when the Matthew Reardon Center for Autism hosts its 2019 Autism Conference Feb. 28 and March 1 at the Savannah Convention Center. The conference comes as estimates indicate that one in 59 children born in the United States will be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

The Reardon Center’s fourth annual conference is organized for a diverse audience: professionals and academics who work with autistic people (with continuing education credits in many cases), families affected by autism, autistic people, potential employers and members of the general public who are interested in this growing social and medical challenge.

Grandin will discuss “Autism and My Path Through Life” the final afternoon of the conference as wrap up of the two-day conference, which also features presentations by 22 autism experts and includes a first-in-Savannah Reverse Job Fair to help people with autism find jobs.

General admission tickets for both days are $135, one-day tickets for Thursday or Friday are available for $100 or admission to Grandin’s lecture only is priced at $60. SCCPSS employees are eligible for a specially-discounted, one day ticket, as well. To register and buy tickets, visit www.2019autismconference.com.

Grandin, a best-selling author of multiple books and an internationally recognized expert in animal welfare and behavior, did not speak until she was four-years-old and was diagnosed with autism at a time when it was less well understood than it is today. Her family ignored advice to institutionalize her and she went on to earn a doctorate in animal science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She currently is a professor of animal science at Colorado State University, and her research in the development of humane systems of handling animals in the meat-production industry is highly regarded and implemented internationally. Grandin is also the subject of a biographical movie and numerous television documentaries.

In addition to diverse workshops and Grandin’s keynote address, the conference will host a Reverse Job Fair, a setting which removes many of the barriers people with autism face when seeking employment.

How will this work? Registered job seekers with autism will prepare in workshops prior to the conference. At the conference fair, each job seeker will set up a table complete with posters and resumes. Potential employers then go from table to table, giving each job-seeker an opportunity to showcase their particular strengths. Interested employers should contact Jim Atkinson at jatkinson@progressiveabilities.org.

ABOUT THE MATTHEW REARDON CENTER FOR AUTISM (MRCA):MRCA operates southeast Georgia’s only accredited year-round day school for children with autism. They have provided advocacy and outreach services to more than 870 families across southeast Georgia and have hosted professional training and instructional opportunities for more than 4,500 family members, educators, health professionals and self-advocates. The organization was incorporated in 2000 and currently serves 27 students through ADVANCE Academy. They have 14 full-time employees and operate in an 8,800 sq foot school building, formerly St. Francis Cabrini Catholic School, located at 11500 Middleground Road, Savannah, GA 31419. Website: http://www.matthewreardon.org/